My private parts itch,give off a discharge

Nov 07, 2012

Sometimes my private parts itch and release a milky discharge. Recently I tested for syphilis, but the results were negative. Please advise.

QDear Doctor,
Sometimes my private parts itch and release a milky discharge. Recently I tested for syphilis, but the results were negative. Please advise.  
Ritah
 
ADear Ritah,
Vaginal itching is synonymous with yeast infections, but other vaginal infections, including sexually transmitted diseases, can trigger the condition. 
 
Vaginal itching can arise from chemical irritants in detergents or soaps, douches and vaginal creams. Toilet paper, bath products and feminine hygiene products may also contain chemical irritants that can trigger vaginal itching. 
 
Women in the menopausal transition may experience vaginal itching due to fluctuations in oestrogen levels. Once oestrogen declines, the vaginal wall becomes thinner and drier, causing itching.
 
Some studies have linked stress and vaginal yeast infections. This is due to the fact that stress strains the immune system and weaken it, thus increasing risks of suffering from the infection. 
 
Others causes of vaginal itching include; bacterial vaginitis (a disease of the vagina caused by bacteria), genital herpes (a sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus) and gonorrhea. Others are genital warts, yeast infection and sexually transmitted diseases. 
 
Note that a certain amount of fluid that flows out the vaginal opening is normal. The vaginal walls and uterine cervix contain glands that produce a small amount of fluid that helps to keep the vagina clean. This normal fluid is usually clear or milky white and does not have an unpleasant odour. 
 
The normal vaginal discharge is thicker at specific times of the menstrual cycle; at the time of ovulation, during breastfeeding, or sexual arousal. 
 
An increase in the amount of vaginal discharge, an abnormal odour or consistency of the fluid, pain, itching, or a burning that accompanies vaginal discharge can all be signs of infections, or more serious disorders. See a doctor for further examination and diagnosis. 
 
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I have a dark patch on my penis
QDear Doctor,
I am aged over 60. I developed a dark patch around the penis head. I am circumcised and this patch is painless. I am worried that it is probably cancer of the penis. Please help.  
Bikaru
 
ADear Bikaru,
 Without examination, it is difficult to diagnose the problem. However, it is highly possible that you have eczema and it is causing some inflammatory hyperpigmentation (patches, often with a poorly defined border, irregular in outline and usually with little surface change). 
 
A fungal infection can also cause the patch.
 
However, the dark patch can also be normal, but may appear strange due to the adjoining patches of a light skin. 
 
It could also result from penis cancer though this is rare in Uganda, especially among young men. See a dermatologist for a diagnosis and treatment.
 
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Should I use a condom or not?
QDear Doctor,
Is it true that it is not advisable to use a condom when having sex for the first time? Many people have told me this, but I do not believe them. They say it is wise not to use a condom because the first sexual encounter is painful.
 
My only hope is in you now because I really do not want to make a terrible mistake. I do not want to have unprotected sex because I know the consequences and I do not need to be advised not to have sex because I know it is the right time for me and my boyfriend.
Zam
 
ADear Zam,
The best way to protect yourself is to abstain until you find the right partner. 
 
Before you have unprotected sex; do you trust your partner? Do you know his HIV status? Are you ready for a pregnancy? Using a condom can help you prevent unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. 
Since you are ready to have sex, use a condom. 
 
Usually, some people feel pain the first time they have sex, especially if it involves deep penetration. While many women (and their partners) worry about discomfort or pain the first time they have penetrative intercourse, not all couples have this experience. 
 
If you do experience discomfort, communicate with your partner and make sure you are fully aroused — be well-lubricated  and be relaxed. 
 
Lastly, the first time may have challenges. Sometimes one or both partners might not orgasm. Other times, a man’s erection might not last long. The woman may be more lubricated and comfortable at some moments more than others. 
 
Be patient and take your time. Talk to each other frankly and allow each other to enjoy this newfound intimacy together, but remember to use a condom.
 
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What causes sores in the mouth?
QDear Doctor,
I have sores in my mouth and cannot enjoy my food. The pain becomes intense when I drink hot beverages.  What could the problem be? 
Anonymous
 
ADear Anonymous,
These painful shallow ulcerations often occur during times of stress, infection, or a reduction in immunity.
 
They can be a sign of an illness, tumour, or a reaction to a medication. Unfortunately you did not tell us about your sero status. People living with HIV normally have low immunity and when their immunity drops further, they are susceptible to various infections. Ensure you test for HIV. 
 
Foreign bacteria, hot foods or drinks, chewing tobacco and viral infections in the mouth can also cause mouth sores. 
Some mouth sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus and are very contagious. 
 
Symptoms include tenderness, tingling, or burning before the actual sore appears. 
The sores usually begin as blisters and then crust over.
 
The herpes virus can live in your body for years and only appears as a mouth sore when something triggers it, such as hormonal changes (including menstruation) and stress. 
 
Mouth sores usually go away on their own, lasting about 10 to 14 days. Sometimes, however, they last up to about six weeks. 
 
Avoid hot beverages and foods, spicy and salty foods, as well as acidic foods. Gargle with cool water, especially if you have a burning mouth. 
 
See a dentist for further help.
 

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